The Real Lives of TBI Wives

From Crisis to Calling: Carin Miller’s Journey Through TBI, Addiction, and Finding Purpose | Ep 17

In this emotional episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Carin Miller opens up about her 25-year journey as a caregiver to her husband following his traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident in 1997. From the initial shock of the accident to the ongoing physical and emotional challenges, Carin shares the hardships they faced as a family, including her husband's prolonged opioid addiction and the lack of consistent medical care.
Carin reflects on the profound changes in their relationship, her own struggles with gambling addiction, and how she found strength through self-advocacy and peer support. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Carin emphasizes the importance of finding personal joy, embracing faith, and discovering new purpose. Her journey also led her to become an ordained minister, using her experiences to help others in similar situations.
This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of support networks, and the importance of self-care for caregivers. If you’re navigating life with a TBI spouse, Carin's story offers hope, healing, and inspiration for reclaiming joy amidst the struggle.

Love, Loss & Laughter: Claire Wilkerson's Journey as a TBI Wife | Ep. 16

Claire Wilkerson shares her and her husband's journey through his traumatic brain injury (TBI). Pre-injury, Claire and her husband were high school sweethearts enjoying life in Washington, involving travel, camping, and fly fishing. The TBI happened in 2020 when her husband had a car accident while on his way to fly fish. Claire describes the experience from receiving the shocking call from the hospital to navigating his initial treatment, numerous surgeries, and ICU stay during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares her challenges in ensuring her husband’s care, fighting for permissions, and eventually being a constant through his transition to a rehab facility. Claire speaks about managing her husband's injuries, learning to advocate for him, handling their changed home environment, and balancing her own job with his intense care needs. The couple's pre-existing relationship with a therapist, their supportive community, and Claire’s strategies for self-care have been vital. Finally, Claire comments on the continuous adjustments, the importance of laughter, and maintaining hope and perseverance through their journey.

Grief, Advocacy, and Healing: Jenny Ziegelhofer on Navigating Stroke and TBI | Ep. 15

In this episode of 'Real Lives of TBI Wives,' Jenny Ziegelhofer shares the harrowing story of her husband's traumatic brain injury that began in the summer of 2022. From the initial discovery of a lump to a complex diagnosis and a life-changing stroke post-surgery, Jenny walks us through the emotional and logistical challenges faced by their family. She discusses the toll it took on their lives, her role as an advocate and caregiver, and the support systems that helped them navigate through the trying times. Jenny also shares insights into managing grief, maintaining relationships, and the importance of accepting help during crises.

Living With TBI: Barb's Story of Love Loss and Recovery | Ep. 14

Navigating the Journey: Barb's TBI Wife Story In this episode of 'Real Lives of TBI Wives,' Erika Brouillette welcomes Barb DeJarnett, who shares her profound journey as a wife and caregiver for her husband, Darien, following his traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2013. Barb recounts the immediate impact of the accident, the extensive medical treatments, and the long rehabilitation process that followed. She speaks candidly about the struggles and changes in their relationship, the support systems that have helped her cope, and the resilience required to adapt to a new normal. This episode offers a meaningful exploration of love, care, and strength in the face of life-altering challenges. 

When the Fight Never Ends: April’s Story of Caregiving After TBI | Ep. 13

In this episode of 'Real Lives of TBI Wives,' host Erika Brouillette interviews April, who shares the heart-wrenching journey of being the caregiver and wife to a husband who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) four years ago. April recounts the day of the accident, the immediate aftermath, and the long, arduous road to recovery that followed. She discusses the legal battles with workman's compensation, the immense emotional and physical toll on both her and her husband, and the lack of support from family and friends. Despite facing monumental challenges, including financial instability and her own health issues, April continues to fight for her husband's care while grappling with the loss of her dreams of motherhood and a 'normal' life. This episode encapsulates the resilience and struggles of a caregiver, posing profound questions about love, duty, and survival. 

Finding Faith and Strength: Kim Krajny's TBI Wife Story | Ep. 12

In this heartfelt episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Kim Krajny opens up about the traumatic experience of her husband James’ severe brain injury and spinal cord damage following a devastating accident on December 10, 2020. Kim recounts the gut-wrenching day of the accident, the overwhelming chaos that followed, and the emotional toll it took on her as she navigated the complex healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kim speaks candidly about the intense surgeries James underwent, the physical and emotional challenges they faced together, and the unwavering fight to ensure he received the best care possible. She also shares the powerful role that community, faith, and self-care played in helping them adjust to their “new normal.” Throughout their journey, Kim explores the struggles with guilt, the difficulties of maintaining their household, and how they found moments of joy in the midst of adversity.
Kim’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and love that caregivers embody every day. If you’ve ever faced similar challenges, Kim’s words will inspire and uplift you, proving that even in the darkest times, there is hope, courage, and light.

Unbroken: Jill West's Story of Overcoming Her Husband's Brain Tumor and Injury | Ep. 11

In this powerful episode, Jill West shares her family's journey through the life-altering challenges following her husband's brain tumor diagnosis and subsequent brain injury. Jill takes us back to their college days when they met, started a family, and envisioned a bright future, only to have their lives forever changed by medical setbacks.
Jill opens up about the initial diagnosis, the transformative surgery at Duke University Hospital, and the long road to recovery that followed. She discusses the emotional and physical toll on their family, the struggles of caregiving, and the medical complications they faced along the way.
Through it all, Jill emphasizes the critical importance of a strong support system, including both family and professional help. She speaks candidly about how she’s learned to adapt to her new role as a caregiver while striving to keep a sense of normalcy for her loved ones. This episode offers invaluable insights, strength, and hope for families navigating similar challenges, shedding light on resilience and the power of perseverance through hardship.

Grief and Gratitude: Karen Stone Fortune on Surviving and Thriving After Her Husband’s TBI | Ep. 10

In this deeply moving episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette  sits down with Karen Stone Fortune, whose husband suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a cycling accident in 2019. Karen shares the heartbreaking early moments of the injury, the long road to an accurate diagnosis, and the complications that led to emergency brain surgery—all amid the isolating challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Karen opens up about the emotional toll of caregiving, the strain on her family, and how she slowly began to rebuild through therapy, self-care, and boundary setting. She speaks powerfully about transforming pain into purpose, choosing gratitude alongside grief, and the importance of connecting with others who truly understand the invisible weight of this journey.
This episode is filled with practical insight, raw emotion, and deep encouragement for any woman navigating life after a partner’s brain injury.

A TBI Wife's Journey: Gloria's Story of Love, Resilience and Adaptation | Ep. 9

In this heartfelt episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette welcomes Gloria Longsworth, who shares her powerful journey as the wife of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor. Gloria recounts meeting her husband Gabe in Germany and how their life was turned upside down when he suffered a massive stroke while they were living in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From navigating Gabe’s complex recovery abroad to relocating him to the U.S. for long-term care, Gloria reveals the raw realities of being a primary caregiver, a mother to a young daughter, and a woman fighting for her family’s future. She speaks openly about the emotional toll of caregiving, the challenges of adapting to new physical limitations, and the unexpected path that led her to launch a kimchi business to support her household.
Gloria’s story is a testament to unwavering love, creative resilience, and the strength it takes to build a new life after everything changes.

Surviving Together: Greg's TBI Journey and Jacqui's Unwavering Support | Ep. 8

In this unforgettable episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette speaks with Jacqui Taylor Hayward, whose husband Greg suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in October 2023 after falling down the stairs during an episode of sleepwalking. Jacqui takes us inside the night that changed everything—detailing the emergency response, ICU crisis, and multiple life-saving surgeries that followed.
With raw honesty, Jacqui shares what it was like to battle the healthcare system, advocate for proper care, manage Greg’s post-TBI seizures, and shoulder the emotional and physical weight of it all. From medical trauma and emotional burnout to unexpected moments of humor and hope, this episode paints a vivid picture of what it means to survive the unthinkable together.
Jacqui’s story is one of resilience, love through crisis, and the search for healing, peace, and purpose in a life forever altered.